Some of you told us your entry event while others were still working on it. Post your Entry Event idea on the Edmodo discussion. Everyone should reply with an "I like", "I wonder" and "next steps" to at least two other people's entry events.
Podcasting in the Classroom
Although Podcasting has been around for quite some time, it still has relevance in today's classroom as a tool for students to use to complete projects. Aside from learning content standards, students are also using higher level thinking skills in the revision process. Students will be more careful about creating podcasts if they know they are being published for others to see, so consider how you might publish student's podcast. Also think about how to ensure student's safety if posting online. Students need to know up front not to use last names, identifying locations/information etc. The following are steps you should consider using in the classroom with students as they design their podcasts.If you are new to podcasting, you may want to check out thisBeginner Guide
Before you begin creating your own podcast, you will want to maybe take a look at some example podcasts that students and teachers have created. Students of all ages can create podcasts, but younger students may need a bit more assistance.
Before you can have students embark on their first podcasting journey, there is a few things you must decide as a teacher.
Groups--Will students be broken up into pairs or groups? I suggest for your first podcast, that you divide students into pairs. I have found that with more than two, some students are able to sit back and not do much. Having two in a group is a good balance. I'm always a proponent of groups for any project, buy you must decide for yours. For the first podcast, pairs is a good idea so students can help each other.
Assessment-- How will you assess students on the podcast? A rubric is the simplest and most fair way to assess students, but be careful not to fall prey to focusing on the technical aspect of the podcast. While a podcast rubric can contain some technical aspects (sounds, quality, music, etc.), I would highly suggest that the most points go towards the content and accuracy of the podcast. Consider having a rubric entry for how well music or sound complements the podcast. Students can get carried away with sounds and music to the point that it is distracting. Think about how a rubric might address that.
Directions--Having clear directions will help students (and parents) understand the project. Some teachers create a pamphlet or create the podcast in way of a project (IE: The local civil war museum has asked you to create a podcast on the Battle of Gettysburg, etc.).
Step 2: Planning the Podcast
Planning the podcast is an important first step. This is critical for the students as well as they learn how to write a script. It is important that you as a teacher build in some structure for editing scripts as well. For example, will students self edit? Will they have you as the teacher edit? Will the peer edit? I suggest a combination of all of the above.
You can create your own template for students to use when planning your podcast or use one of the many online. there are a few templates and planning guides below that students can use. For your project, I would highly suggest you create one to use or use one of the ones below so you can experience what your students will experience. Search Google for tons of podcasting script templates or creating your own to suit your project!
Creating the podcast is usually a lot of fun for students, so you will have to work to keep them on task! Be sure at this phase to help students understand the difference between using music and sounds to compliment content, versus music and sounds that distract from content. In order to create the podcast, you will need to use software or an app. Depending on your school and whether they are 1:1 or you have access to computers, you will need to choose your software carefully.
Mac Computers--
Garage band is free if you own a mac or iPad. Students can create podcasts fairly easily using Garage band. Check out these tutorials for podcasting in Garage Band. Please note that if you have an older (or newer) version of Garage Band, you may have to Google a tutorial for your version. There are tons out there so you can find something that suits your needs.
Apps for ipads/phones-- There are tons of apps out there, but here are some of the top four that you could use with students if you have access to the devices.
VoiceThread--VoiceThread is an online podcasting service that allows you to use media and video. This is one of my least favorite apps for podcasting, but many teachers like it because it is easy.
iPadio--Many people like the iPadio app because it is easy to use and students can quickly figure out the simple interface.
Mobile Podcaster--One of my favorite because it is very easy to use and built specifically for podcasting!
Additional Apps--Check out the link for several more great podcasting apps!
PC Computers
My favorite software (free) for creating podcasts is Audacity. Audacity is fairly easy to use and allows you to do quite a bit of editing. This software is probably better for upper elementary to high school students. While there are a lot of features, it's fairly simple just to record and publish and add your media.
In order to use music and sound effects, students should use royalty free music/sounds so as not to infringe on copyright. If you are a Greenville County teacher, you have access (and your students) to soundzabound
Assignment
Your assignment is to create a podcasting lesson (may be used with your project based lesson if you choose) for students to try to create in class. The following components should be uploaded to the Google Classroom:
Lesson Plan--You choose the format/template your school uses, but upload your lesson plan for how the podcast will be used and how you will structure your lesson.
Writing Script Template
Upload the script/template you used to create your podcast
Upload the script/template you will use for students in your class (if this is the same as the one you used, only upload yours)
Rubric--You may create your own rubric, download one and edit to suit your needs or you may use one you find online. Remember to focus on the content.
Podcast Example--Create a podcast example using one of the apps/software above (or one you find yourself).
Supporting documents--IF you choose to create a pamphlet for students/parents on the project or other supporting document, upload that as well. This part is optional.
Podcast Requirements: Your podcast must be at least 3 minutes. Your podcast should be the length you are going to require of your students. Usually, in education, podcasts do not exceed 5 minutes, but in non-education environments, they may be 15-20 minutes. Typically in education, storage becomes an issue if it is over 5 minutes. You determine your length based on what you are going to require for students, but be sure to include the requirements in documentation to students or in the rubric.
Topic 8: Podcasting and Teacher Resources
Entry Event Discussions
Some of you told us your entry event while others were still working on it. Post your Entry Event idea on the Edmodo discussion. Everyone should reply with an "I like", "I wonder" and "next steps" to at least two other people's entry events.Podcasting in the Classroom
Although Podcasting has been around for quite some time, it still has relevance in today's classroom as a tool for students to use to complete projects. Aside from learning content standards, students are also using higher level thinking skills in the revision process. Students will be more careful about creating podcasts if they know they are being published for others to see, so consider how you might publish student's podcast. Also think about how to ensure student's safety if posting online. Students need to know up front not to use last names, identifying locations/information etc. The following are steps you should consider using in the classroom with students as they design their podcasts.If you are new to podcasting, you may want to check out this Beginner GuideBefore you begin creating your own podcast, you will want to maybe take a look at some example podcasts that students and teachers have created. Students of all ages can create podcasts, but younger students may need a bit more assistance.
http://movingforward.wikispaces.com/Podcasts
Step 1: Pre-Work
Before you can have students embark on their first podcasting journey, there is a few things you must decide as a teacher.Step 2: Planning the Podcast
Planning the podcast is an important first step. This is critical for the students as well as they learn how to write a script. It is important that you as a teacher build in some structure for editing scripts as well. For example, will students self edit? Will they have you as the teacher edit? Will the peer edit? I suggest a combination of all of the above.Step 3: Creating the Podcast
Creating the podcast is usually a lot of fun for students, so you will have to work to keep them on task! Be sure at this phase to help students understand the difference between using music and sounds to compliment content, versus music and sounds that distract from content. In order to create the podcast, you will need to use software or an app. Depending on your school and whether they are 1:1 or you have access to computers, you will need to choose your software carefully.Resources
In order to use music and sound effects, students should use royalty free music/sounds so as not to infringe on copyright. If you are a Greenville County teacher, you have access (and your students) to soundzaboundAssignment
Your assignment is to create a podcasting lesson (may be used with your project based lesson if you choose) for students to try to create in class. The following components should be uploaded to the Google Classroom:Podcast Requirements:
Your podcast must be at least 3 minutes. Your podcast should be the length you are going to require of your students. Usually, in education, podcasts do not exceed 5 minutes, but in non-education environments, they may be 15-20 minutes. Typically in education, storage becomes an issue if it is over 5 minutes. You determine your length based on what you are going to require for students, but be sure to include the requirements in documentation to students or in the rubric.